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Controls Engineer — Level 1
Systems & Machinery Engineering Group
The role in one line: an entry-level controls engineer who helps design, program, check out, and start up industrial automation control systems, working under a Senior Controls Engineer in our Hackett, AR shop and in the field at customer plants. A bachelor's degree, an associate degree with 1–2 years of hands-on experience, or equivalent military or trade experience qualifies you.
Position Overview
J+H Automation Solutions is a full-service engineering company that specializes in industrial machine and control system design, build, and support, as well as custom material handling fabrication and installation services.
As a Controls Engineer Level 1, you'll support our Systems and Machinery Engineering Group, participating in the design, programming, checkout, and startup of automation control systems. You'll report to the Senior Controls Engineer and learn alongside experienced engineers, field electricians, and contractors.
Where you'll be involved
- Design review
- Panel build
- Programming
- Installation
- Checkout
- Startup
Primary Duties & Responsibilities
Design & Build
- Review electrical schematics, P&IDs, panel layouts, and sequence of operations (SOO) to verify system intent
- Assist with design of control panels and industrial electrical schematics to perform industrial controls functions per the customer's specifications
- Assist with procurement of components and materials
- Assist with supervising fabrication of control panels per the drawings
Field Installation
- Review electrical installation of control systems with field electricians
- Assist with supervising field installation of control systems per the engineering drawings
Programming
- Assist with program development of PLC logic, HMI/SCADA screens, and device configurations
Testing, Debug & Startup
- Perform point-to-point electrical checkouts, instrument calibration, and loop checks
- Support on-site startup, functional testing, troubleshooting, and integrated system commissioning alongside contractors and field engineers
- Coordinate with field electricians and engineering staff to verify field wiring by specifications
- Diagnose and troubleshoot electrical wiring
- Diagnose and troubleshoot PLC and HMI logic and programs
- Other duties as assigned
Location & Travel
Minimum Qualifications
Education & Experience (one of the following)
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field
- Associate degree in Industrial Automation, Electronics, Mechatronics, or a related discipline with 1–2+ years of hands-on experience
- Equivalent military or trade experience (e.g., industrial electrician, Navy nuclear/electrical, certified instrumentation tech)
- Valid driver's license and willingness to travel to client job sites
Skills & Experience
- Ability to work in a team-oriented, multi-disciplinary environment
- Ability to effectively manage multiple tasks and projects
- Good communication skills
- Some experience with 2D drafting software such as AutoCAD
- Some experience with 3D modeling software such as SolidWorks
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word
Preferred, not required
- PLC and HMI programming, Rockwell Automation
- Robot programming, ABB and/or Fanuc
- Vision programming, Keyence
- Inductive Automation's Ignition
Physical Requirements
| Activity | Frequency | Lift / Carry | Push / Pull |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stand, walk, sit | Occasionally | Up to 25 lbs: Occasionally | Up to 25 lbs: Occasionally |
| Kneel / squat | Occasionally | 25 lbs or more: Occasionally | 25 lbs or more: Occasionally |
| Grasp | Occasionally | 50 lbs or more: Not applicable | 50 lbs or more: Not applicable |
| Climb stairs | Occasionally | 75 lbs or more: Not applicable | 75 lbs or more: Not applicable |
Occasionally = up to 33% of the time. Frequently = 33–66%. Constantly = more than 66%.
Compensation & Benefits
Equal Opportunity Employment
J+H Automation Solutions is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Employment is on an at-will basis. All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of background checks and verification of eligibility to work in the United States.
If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact Human Resources at (479) 638-8398. Personal information submitted through our application process is used solely for recruitment purposes and handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
Write the Logic. Watch It Run.
Start your controls career on real automation systems, from the first schematic review to the moment the line starts up.